Purchases & Acquisitions: September 2012

September was CRAZY as I'm sure you deduced from my silence. There was so much going on with work, life, Fashion Week, etc. that I barely had time to breathe, let alone shop. However, that doesn't mean I didn't squeeze in a little bit of time at the mall. Attending Fashion Week events brings different wardrobe pressures than everyday life. Even if you don't go to every event that you are invited to you still, at times, find yourself surrounded by industry professionals and fellow fashion lovers. These fabulous people have a keen eye for sartorial hits and misses. You don't want to be rocking a miss. The other challenge for me was the combination of still warm weather and an expectation of fall trends. I wasn't ready to bust out all my fall goodies at that time, it was still summer. For the most part I was able to make it work but, I picked up a couple of things at Target to fill in my Fashion Week wardrobe gaps.

Mossimo® Women's Floral Print Asymmetrical Dress

Mossimo® Natural Envelope Clutch

This high low-hem dress from Target was an excellent find; spot on for fall while being appropriate for the tepid weather we were having. I also grabbed this over-sized snakeskin clutch. While the dress is fantastic, the clutch has already been on my arm at a few late night events. Snakeskin goes with everything, end of story! How is this still a month of no purchases if I got these two items? Two words: gift card, thanks Mom and Dad!

Weekly Manicure: A Classic Combo - Neutral Nail, Bold Toe

When I think of a versatile and neutral manicure nothing comes to mind faster than a classic French manicure. When I want thinking ahead to all the activities and events I have going on because of Fashion Week and life in general I wanted my manicure to last and be appropriate through it all; Enter Incoco French manicure nail strips! I've tried them before and know that they are fantastic so it was really a no brainer to go that route again. I did them last week and they are still perfectly presentable in all situations despite the everyday wear and tear of my life.

While I love the French manicure there was still the question of what to do in terms of my pedicure. I don't know about you but, I think French pedicures look weird; Kind of like the toe nails are too long or the person is trying to highlight their natural toe which doesn't work for me since I'm not a huge fan of feet in general... I could come up with a bunch of reasons but, in the end, I just don't like them and wouldn't elect to  paint my tootsies that way. O good, I'm not the only one! Instead I went for a dark purple color which screams fall to me. I sense a manicure in that polish's future sometime soon but, not too soon... summer isn't  over yet! What color did you paint your nails this week?

Getting Into Fashion Week

I'm assuming you noticed the flurry of New York Fashion Week activity flooding Facebook, Twitter, and your other social networks. There are always so many fabulous runway shoes, presentations, and events it's hard to keep track. Right now Fashion Week is drawing to a close as quickly as it came but, that doesn't mean you can't plan on taking part in the festivities next season! I'm not guaranteeing front row Marc Jacobs in your future but, there are always a few fun Fashion Week related event that you can take part in no matter who you are or where you are located. Here are some of my tips and tricks for getting on the proverbial red carpet and through the velvet ropes.

1. Fashion's Night Out - This is a nation world wide event that takes place when various fashion hubs host Fashion Week. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of the generosity of major brands and party! Some stores will have food and drinks, some stores will have free samples/services/goodie bags, and some stores will have celeb appearances. There are a plethora of choices when it comes to Fashion Night Out that allow you to meet, greet, see, and be seen! Even if you don't live in the thick of one of these fashionable cities your local mall, big box department store, or small stylish boutique might have something planned. I would definitely check their website or call and ask.

Image courtesy of SarahShah.com

2. Start a blog (if you haven't already) - While blogging is a full time job for some or just a fun pastime for others (raises hand) it can be a means to an end for a both. Being able to approach a brand or PR company and say that you would be happy to cover an event for them on your blog is a great way to get in the door to some fun Fashion Week festivities. It's also great reason to hand out business cards at events (like Fashion's Night Out *winkwinknudgenudge) so people and brands can see why they might want to work with you. If you don't immediately garner a press pass or attention from companies through blogging don't be discouraged, you're not the only fashion/beauty/OOTD blogger out there. Even if they reject you at least they know you are interested and they might reach out to you at a later juncture or for a different event. Don't forget to follow up, networking is everything!

3. Check Eventbrite - There are always a variety of activities on Eventbrite that you can take part in any week of the year. That, naturally, holds true for Fashion Week, as well. Just run a quick search and see what you find. I'm know there will be a mix of paid and free events for you to choose from. Obvi we want everything to be free but, just because it is doesn't mean it's worth going and just because it isn't doesn't mean that it's not. Either way, I would try to stick with events out on by well known brands; those will have the best turnout and best take homes.

Image courtesy of blog.eventbrite.com

4. Consult with your fashionable friends - While you might not be hooked in with the fashion elite anybody yet maybe someone you know on a personal level is. See if there are any general (or invite only) Fashion Week events that you can tag along with them to. If not maybe they know of some events that you can RSVP for even though you didn't recieve a direct invite. Maybe they are willing to give you their invite to a show or event. Or, maybe they know of some fun general things devoid of a guest list that you can attend. There are definite possibilities, just ask around. Honestly, I had almost all of my Fashion Week fun this time around through second hand invites from friends and friends of friends. It's been a blast!

Image courtesy of The Tiny Tierant

5. Host your own event- Maybe  all of my tips and tricks are completely useless because absolutely none of this is relevant to you. Don't be discouraged, you can still have fashionable fun. You can have girlfriends over and stream the runway shows live from the comfort of your own home. Maybe you can partner with a local store or boutique and host an Fashion Week event at their establishment. The sky is really the limit with this, see what you can do!

Do you have any other tips, ticks, or ideas on how to get in on Fashion Week festivities?

Purchases & Acquisitions: August 2012

This time last year I kept it together and didn't shop at all during my birthday month. I try to look at birthdays the same way I view Christmas; People are going to buy you things so you don't necessarily need to buy anything for yourself. It didn't work out so well this year... I wanted to get fancy for the my weekend birthday celebration and couldn't very well wear that same dress as I did on my actual birthday. While wandering around in I ended up getting this fab color block maxi dress for my party. It was spot on in terms of summer trends, comfort, and all around fabulous-ness AKA totally worth the $29.99.

In terms of other things I got as gifts there were a few fun things that you might have already seen if you are stalking following me on Instagram like a gorgeous Maggy London dress from BF's parents, some lovely dresses from eShakti that my parents bought me, a box of goodies from my cousin including a shirt that I am dying to wear, and some basics (white tank tops, yoga pants) from my parents, as well as, the trendy dress I wore on my actual birthday from BF. I am so thankful for everything! I feel so lucky to be so loved and by such stylish people to boot.

August 24, 2012: An All Day Outfit

While Friday tends to be a more casual day there are some mornings where it doesn't matter that it's almost the weekend, I just want to be my fancy self! It's a vicious cycle... Thankfully, wearing any office appropriate dress is a nice compromise between polished and comfortable. This dress in particular is a great example because it is made of light, stretchy (but, not super tight) material. I have no idea what company it's from I found it in the madness that was The Big Fat Flea. Have you ever been? What did you think? My only gripe about the dress is the awkward diagonal seam that goes right under my stomach and definitely (or I'm paranoid) highlights that area... awkward but, easy enough to forget about because of the extreme comfort. 

While my ensemble was great for the office, with brownie points (in my mind) for keeping it super professional on a summer Friday it was also perfect for a night out on the town. I met up with a good friend of mine whose visiting from Florida. We had a delish dinner and took in a play. You guys might think that everyday living in New York City is like that for everyone but, I can assure you it's not... at least not for me. On the average day I'm just happy to get home after work and take some time to catch up on blog stuff, hang out with BF, do responsible adult things like clean/laundry, and catch up on my DVR. Yes, my 20-something life is indeed glamorous...

• Top: black sheath dress, no tag via The Big Fat Flea; gray ruffle front cardigan, LOFT/gift from BF's parents
• Shoes & Accessories: black flip flops, Rocket Dog via DSW; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF  

Items from this outfit are previously seen here, here, and here.

August 22, 2012: Classic Fashion Rules

We've ruminated over the 'no white after labor day' rule before. Frankly I'm still not all in but, that doesn't necessarily mean that I don't enjoy the judgement free summer days of wearing white. Because the dress code of my office is not technically strictly professional I've been hesitant to wear this crisp white eyelet lace dress; It's normally a go to pick for barbeques not boardrooms. After I glanced at the calendar and realized summer is coming to a close I thought, "There's no time like the present!" or something like that... The ensemble went off without a hitch any awkward conversations and I would deem that a success. A cardigan really works wonders in keeping an outfit professional!

While the outfit was perfect acceptable for the office, it a great ensemble for another fun after hours event with The Blogger Collective.  We had a meet and greet with one of the founders of Snapette and her team. There were cupcakes, a product demonstration, and all around fun times. It's actually a really cool app for all you super shoppers out there. Launched in 2011, Snapette has quickly become the must-have mobile app for fashion lovers. The members are obsessed with snapping photos of all the beautiful clothes, shoes, and accessories they see and sharing them for others to discover. Snapette also partners with a number of brands for peeks at their newest offerings and special discounts. Download the free app (for iPhone or Android) today and follow me!

• Top: white eyelet lace dress, dELiA*s; blue embellished cardigan, Merona for Target/b-day gift from BF's parents    
  
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Corso Como via DSW; blue stone earrings, V'ta Jewelry; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF 
  

Items from this outfit are previously seen  here.

eShakti.com Picks: Fall 2012

I feel like everywhere I look fall is creeping in. While I love the crisp weather, seasonal celebrations, and fabulous fashions these things will never replace my deep, unwavering romance with summer. That being said I can' t keep the seasons from changing and I need to embrace the impending shift. What better was to do that than with some gorgeous dresses. eShakti.com's fall line is truly beautiful! There are so many options for different occasions and personalities in a plethora of colors and patterns. 

These are a few of my favorite picks from Fall 2012 but, eShakti's stock is always in flux and they are continuously adding new styles everyday. On top of that eShakti,com is currently having an unprecedented sale with 40% off specific selections for Labor Day, 25% off Summer styles, and a pre-season 25% off of their Fall line. On top of ALL that those discounts can be combined with the additional 10% off that you get with code: SH24LXN. Now the only question is, what should you get? Here are some suggestions courtesy of my lusting...

Autunno Beaded Dress

Sequined Bow Tweed Sheath Dress

Vintage Houndstooth Print Dress

Primavera Beaded Dress

                  

Owls In A Row Pencil Skirt

Deep Plum Applique Dress

Weekly Manicure: Buttercup Baby

Do you remember how I said that I saw the perfect yellow polish last week but, left it behind so I could pick from the vast selection at the nail salon? No? Well, you should keep up... Anyway, I couldn't resist and headed back to the Duane Reade near my office to pick it up for this week's manicure; It was meant to be. I knew Buttercup was a Limited Edition color because of it's placement in the store on a shelf with other special makeup displays but, I didn't realize that it was a special edition Tracy Reese color (big difference.) I could have sworn those launched back in April or May. I may have to go back and check to see if the other colors that I was lusting over (Honey Whip, The Sky's The Limit, Temptation) are there for subsequent manicures but, I digress... The color is a little translucent; I'm ok with that. It's a far cry from the extremely saturated gold color that made up my manicure a few weeks ago. Which do you prefer? What color are your nails this week?

August 17, 2012: A Druzy Of A Time

A few weeks ago I went to a sample sale at W/A Studios in midtown. I found out about it through The Blogger Collective, a fab group of blogging fashionistas that I'm a part of because I'm cool... Anyway, some of the founders happen to know the couple that runs the jewelry design house and arranged a private sale for us with jewelry samples from current and past seasons and a sneak peek at what they are working on for the upcoming seasons. If the company doesn't sound familiar to you don't worry, I couldn't quite place it either but, when I saw some of their offerings I was knew I had seen it before. Their sparkly baubles are sold at big names like Henri Bendel and small specialty boutiques all over the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

While I was there I got some gifts and a few things for myself. When I had this druzy necklace in my hands I fell in love and when the designer found similar earrings it was a done deal. Because I sometimes subscribe to the school of instant gratification I wanted to pair one of those druzy items with whatever I was wearing the next day! Thankfully they are fairly neutral but, let's be honest I would have been hard pressed to find nothing in my extensive wardrobe. I was excited to rock my new earrings but, even more excited for it to be a denim Friday and most excited for my fun after work activity seeing the Yayoi Kusama exhibit at The Whitney Museum... I'm packing all the fun things in before the end of summer (darn it)? What fun things have you done so far?

• Top:  blue crochet neck blouse (same shirt different color here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here); beige short sleeved jacket, GAP
• Bottom: denim pencil skirt, Torrid
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW; pink druzy earrings, W/A Studios; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF  

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

August 15, 2012: Dressing Appropriately

Since I am trying to pick out my clothes ahead of time weather.com has become an integral tool in the process. I have too often made the mistake of forgetting an umbrella, a coat, or generally wearing something completely inappropriate for whatever weather I will be faced with that day. When I was looking at the week ahead (last two weeks ago) everything was looking good except for Wednesday. With rain on the horizon I set aside some comfy and professional pants so I could face the impending precipitation as appropriately as possible.

My biggest struggle was finding shoes that worked with the pants since their length demands I stand a little taller but, I am still on the mend. I decided to take my life ankle into my own hands and wear a pair of shoes with a little heel. I can't say that it horrible but, it was definitely not the best idea. I'll be honest I haven't been giving my ankle the rest and relaxation or stretching that it needs; It's hard when you commute into New York City and work in a busy office; Excuses, excuses... Long story short: don't sprain ankles.

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT; black blazed, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: beige pinstripe trousers, LOFT/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black peeptoe wedges, Payless; vintage silver hoop earrings, my abuela; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF  

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Weekly Manicure: Leave It To The Professionals

Last Friday I did something that I haven't done in months, I went to get a manicure and pedicure at a salon! It's not that I don't enjoy a professional manicure, it's just an unnecessary expense that I can't afford on the regular and isn't always worth it. Thankfully my gift card hoarding tendencies are strong and I've been holding on to one from Christmas for a mani/pedi at one of my fav salons, it's about time I used it! Also, I was also meeting some friends there and they wanted to get manicures and pedicures; It's nice to be able to hang out with friends without peer pressure spending but, I digress...

One of my biggest struggles when heading to the nail salon for a manicure is picking a color. No matter how much of a selection I think I have at home, they always blow me away with the plethora of choices from Essie and OPI. When I was getting manicures on the regular I had my seasonal standards but, now I tend to gravitate towards things I can't imitate at home which (even accounting for personal preferences) leaves me with a normally startling amount of choices.

Earlier I spotted a gorgeous pale yellow polish while running a quick errand at work. It was an instant connection and I knew that is what I wanted for this week's manicure and pedicure. Unfortunately when I got to my salon they didn't have anything of the sort... go figure. I ended up going with Essie Miss Fancy Pants from their Fall 2012 line because something neutral was the only thing I could commit to with Sally Hansen Buttercup on my mind. I may or may not have headed back to the store to retrieve it. What do you think? Do you go to the salon for manicures and pedicures? If so, do you have a standard set of colors you gravitate towards?

August 13, 2012: Suiting Up

Over the weekend I had a conversation with my father about work. He is closing in on retirement but, still goes to work everyday and does what he needs to do to the best of his ability everyday. I am nowhere near retirement and sometimes I have trouble motivating and taking care of business in the most efficient way. There should be no reason for that, it's time to get down to business. There really is something about a suit/blazer that gets me into a hyper professional mind set hence Monday/Suit Day continues!

Monday was also the day where an unusually large number of new employees started so I needed to set a good example. Especially because they were all recent college graduates. While I don't wasn't to knock my slightly younger peers I am comfortable saying that many of them do not always know how to dress in a professional setting. This is not an assumption, it is something I have witnessed first hand. 

• Top: red bella swan blouson, eShakti.com; beige blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns 
• Bottom:  beige skirt with side pleat details, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Corso Como via DSW; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF  

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, and here.

Weekly Manicure: Lilac Polish, Silver Accent Nail

Guys, I have to be super honest. I am in LOVE with my manicure this week; Every time I move my hand it catches my eye. Lilac is one my favorite warm weather manicure colors and this particular shade (Revlon Colorstay Provence) is absolutely perfect. While it would have been ok to rock the pseudo neutral lilac manicure I thought it best to spice it up with an accent nail, that really pulled the whole thing together. Although, I think next week I am going to skip the polish and try nail strips again... decisions, decisions. Which one do you prefer for your own manicures?

August 10, 2012: Trendy Birthday - A Colorblock Maxi Dress

On my birthday, I was very excited about my fantastic high low dress but, that was Monday and while stylin' in the office was great I couldn't very well wear the same thing to go out and celebrate at the end of the week. To deal with my clothing conundrum I started to go through my mental closet but, couldn't think of anything that would be a good fit for the occasion. It was only natural to step into a few stores on my way home from dinner during the week and see what sort of summer stuff they had on sale. Thankfully I found  this maxi dress amidst the incoming fall styles. Unfortunately it hasn't reached the summer markdown rack yet but, it's my birthday so I went with it! 

There are alot of things I love about this dress: the saturated blue, the colorblocking, the thick straps, and the comfy-ness of it to name a few. The challenge that I was faced with was how to wear it in my professional office environment, a free flowing colorful maxi dress is a far cry from a structured suit. I threw on a cardigan and stayed at my desk most of the day. While it wasn't inappropriate per say I think I was lucky with my pass. That being said, it was an easy transition from work to drinks and dinner after! I only wish there was more time left this summer so I could wear the dress again. 

• Top: blue colorblock maxi dress, Spense via Bolton's with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray cardigan, New York & Company 
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW; my abuela's vintage silver hoops; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF  

Items from this outfit are seen and remixed here and here.

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

Over the past month I have been very diligent about working my way through the overwhelming cacophony of lotions and potions that I have. After incorporating my face things I wonder how I will ever finish. Maybe this is just one of those things that can keep on going forever!

Moving forward I am was on my last bottle of body lotion, FINALLY! When my mother gave me a gift card to Bath & Body Works and they announced a buy three get two free sale shortly after it felt like the universe was trying to tell me something: "Buy more lotion!" I listened and picked up five more bottles of random scents. I hope I like them all, it's hard to get a feel for specific smells when you're in a store immersed in a bouquet of them. Considering I had nothing left (yummy smelling lotion wise) I'm ok with my move and I'm sure I'll be fine for a while. On another note, with the imminent season change are there any scents you are craving in particular?

Check out my progress here.

August 8, 2012: On The Mend

I am wearing real shoes for the first time in weeks! When I first sprained my ankle I was excited to shirk my office dress code and wear flip flops to work because my air cast doesn't fit in any of my shoes. Thankfully, my boss was understanding about the whole thing. After the first week I was back to putting together outfits complete with complimentary wedges or heels but, was unable to wear them without putting unnecessary stress on my ankle without further injuring myself.I'm not 100% better but, I am able to downgrade the air cast for a stretchy brace and wear real shoes. I can't wait to get back in some heels!

• Top: pink embroidered dress, Unique Thrift Store/gift from Mom; black v-neck cardigan, 14th & Union/gift from BF's parents
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Corso Como via DSW; rainbow swarovski crystal earrings, V'ta Jewelry; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items from this outfit are previously seen here.

Featured: The Couture Stylust

My article about different birthday looks was featured on The Couture Stylust, yay!

Guest Post: Iris @ I Have A Degree In This

Happy Monday and thanks so much for all of the birthday wishes! I just wanted to let you all know about a guest post that I wrote over at I Have A Degree In This for my fellow August baby Kimberlee while she is away celebrating...  I'm talking about birthday outfits for all different occasions AKA my wish list if I was shopping for the perfect ensemble, check it out!

August 6, 2012: Trendy Birthday - A High Low Hem

As you know today isn't any ordinary day, it's my birthday! This year my birthday has taken a back seat to all the other things in my everyday life. I haven't really thought much about what I want or even how I want to celebrate it. The one thing I was certain of, though, was my need for a special birthday outfit! Since BF said he would foot the bill for my birthday ensemble I started (legitimately) thinking about things that I would want to wear but, aren't like anything I already have. The one summer trend that I couldn't find in my closet but, is everywhere/I am completely in love with is the high low hem.

As I started shopping online and pinning things that I loved I kept coming back to this dress. Not only does it have the high low hem that I was looking for but, it also incorporates other summer trends like pleats and color blocking. After hemming and hawing a bit over whether it was "the dress" or not I bit the bullet and placed the order; Two days later it was sitting at my door! Finding something I could wear over the dress to cover my shoulders and make it more office appropriate was one of the biggest challenges but, thankfully I can fall back on my flowy flyaway cardigan. Have you rocked the high low hem this summer?

Just to clarify I am wearing flip flops at work right now but, they are paired with a less than glamorous air cast because I sprained my ankle pretty badly a few weeks ago and it's still on the mend. It was nice to be more casual in the beginning but, I can't wait to get back in my heels!

• Top: Jessica Simpson Sleeveless Pleated Colorblock Dress, Loehmanns/gift from BF; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company  
• Shoes & Accessories: gray flip flops, Old Navy; gold filagree earrings, AVON gift from Mom; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. 

Happy Birthday to Me!

To: Me
From: Me

Image courtesy of baystatebrumby.blogspot.com

Weekly Manicure: Barielle Lemondrops

A few weeks ago I won a blog giveaway from my friend The Beauty Gnome for a set of Barielle nail polish. I had actually never heard of that brand before but, was excited to expand my polish repertoire! Besides, if it's for free it's for me...

Barielle has actually been around for over 30 years and was one of the first companies to make nail polish without Formaldehyde, Toluene or Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) AKA chemicals that are suspected to be harmful. Instead they use effective and natural alternatives such as Keratin, Proteins, Vitamins, and Oil and Plant Extracts. Learning all these great things about this nail polish made me even more excited to try it out. 

The set of polishes that I won came with some greens, sparkles, and a fab coral shade but, I couldn't resist the vibrant, fun yellow for this week's mani/pedi. Maybe I'm lamenting the seemingly rapid close of summer and this color almost makes me feel like it's just getting started all over again! Next time I might use it as an accent color, there are so many manicure possibilities. How would you wear this nail polish? 

Purchases & Acquisitions: July 2012

Last month while I was running around like a chicken without a head I was also able to get some shopping done... Yeah, that sounded weird to me too especially given my ability to avoid shopping. My main motivator was a gift certificate from eShakti.com that was burning a proverbial hole in my inbox and was about to expire. It would have been a shame to let that happen if there was something in their collection that I liked.

After searching my options and hemming/hawing over how much I was willing to pay out of my own pocket I picked this shirt. After everything it came out to $23.96. I think it's going to be perfect for the rest of summer and fall. To be really honest, I'll probably just rock it all year long because that is how I am despite "seasonal limitations" and then it will be worth it even more.

Bella Swan Blouson - eshakti.com

In addition, while out shopping at Target for a various gifts I was drawn into the shoe department by the siren song of some stylin' ballet flats. Even since I wore my old purple ballet flats to death I have been on the search for a replacement pair that wasn't going to break that bank. When I saw these I immediately tried them on and they were a good fit, So much so, that I picked up another pair of the Merona Madge Ballet Flat in Orange. If they had had the mustard yellow color in the store I might have picked those up as well.

Merona Madge Ballet Flat - Target

I did also notice these cute navy blue ballet flats and since they were a good fit as well I threw them on the pile. I really can't go wrong with ballet flats in my office and having different colors gives me the opportunity to spice things up a little. I'm sure navy and purple ballet flats will go over swimmingly, I'm not so sure about the orange ones but, I am willing to give it a try. Ballet flats are also a great way for me to transition back to "real shoes" after getting used to peep toes. Sigh... I wish summer was longer but, I digress.

Mossimo Ona Ballet Flat - Target

Going shoe crazy might have broken the bank if it wasn't for that fab Target gift card my parent's gave me for my birthday last year that keeps coming to the rescue. Seriously: Best. Gift. Ever.

It's Not You, It's Me

We've been here before, I know. In precis things have been super busy around here and I just have not had time to breathe let alone, blog. That being said I have been going to events, tweeting up a storm, pinning like a mad person, and instagramming for everyone to see... Also, I haven't given up on my personal style challenge. So, those things and the warm fuzzy feeling I get when I see a comment on a post or am featured somewhere tells me that I am not ready for this to be over yet! Time for a new method...

I am only going to be posting three days a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) and only three outfits per week. If I post on the weekends (like now) that's just bonus stuff. How will you know that I am keeping my promise and not wearing repeated outfits to work? Well, you're going to have to trust me... If you want to keep track of my progress I've added a tab for that. It's also going to be a way for me to keep track of what I'm doing so I don't accidentally repeat an outfit.

Maybe there will be a time when I can go back to posting everyday but, right now that isn't the case. How do you blog with a busy schedule? All tips and tricks are welcome!

July 6, 2012: Almost Half Day

Even though it was a short day on Friday things were fairly normal AKA busy in my office. I even had a few people coming for interviews (not as normal) so I definitely needed to be the most professional me that I could be and we all know nothing is easier than a dress... Enter the quintessential dress for the professional woman: Diane von Furstenberg's wrap dress. It’s such an easy way to create or accent an hour glass shape while looking polished and office appropriate. What is your go to dress for work?

• Top: brown wrap dress, Diane von Furstenberg with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehamanns (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories: nude snakeskin sandals, Bandolino via The Unique Thrift Store; petrified wood necklace, V'ta Jewelry; pearl earrings, gift from Mom/Macys; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

 

Items from this outfit are previously seen here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Weekly Manicure: Zoya Summer 2012 - Arizona

This past Friday I stopped to pick up some flowers at a local bodega for my boss' birthday (I'm nice like that) and I saw the most beautiful peach roses. I have had peach on the brain and after seeing the lovely flowers that was the polish color I was craving for this week's manicure!

I ended up skipping the store and searching through the loads of polish I already have to find something in the same color family... No, a bright orange manicure is not the same as a peach one but, it was enough to fill that craving for now! I thought about mixing Zoya's Arizona with a white polish to create the desired shade I had in mind but, that last time I did that my nails weren't drying. I guess you can mix colors but, only if the polishes are similar formulas... What color are you rocking for your manicure this week?

July 5, 2012: Back From Somewhere

This past week was fantastic! Why? Because I was off Monday through Wednesday. I needed a break after spending the entire weekend submerged in wedding related responsibilities, festivities, and travel. BF and I kept it low key and hit a museum and the beach... it was alot of fun! What was even better was Thursday was the only full day I had to work since summer Fridays began in my office this past week. We get out at two for the next seven weeks so last week total amount of time in the office last week = one and a half days WIN! What did you do for the holiday weekend?

When I headed back to work I wanted to start off back in a super professional outfit to ward off any post vacation lamentations. I am generally a super productive person after whatever days I have off  and the whole ensemble just enhanced that! My favorite part of the whole look was the shoes. I found them while thrift shopping with my Mom during Unique Thrift Store's huge 50% off sale on the Fourth of July. BF said they look like they were made out of torture devices or something that a character in Skyrim would wear but, I think they're pretty awesome. What do you think? 

• Top: pink floral embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here and here); brown blazer, Talbots via The Unique Thrift Store 
• Bottom: beige tweed skirt, LOFT via Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: brown and camel studded heels, Kensie via The Unique Thrift Store; brown fused glass earrings, craft space in Laguna Beach; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed  here, here, here, here, here, and here.